Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/#commentsFiled under:



Back in May, the Obama Administration raised the national CAFE standard to 35.5 mpg (for cars and trucks) by 2016. The higher standard would build from the 27.3 mpg 2011 standard and go up five percent each year until 2016. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation issued a joint statement proposing just how the two agencies will work together to reach the higher standard required for model year 2012-2016 vehicles.

The 35.5 mpg number from the CAFE regulations can be reached, the DOT and EPA say, if all MY 2016 vehicles have "an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile" (to compare, that would be 155 g/km using the European g/km measurement) and that target is met by improving fuel economy. We can't help but think that a focus on CO2 instead of mpg is needed in light of new claims that cars can get 230 mpg.

The two agencies say that the new standard will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil, reduce greenhouse gases by 950 metric tons and save "the average car buyer" over $3,000 in fuel costs. The main point, though, is that everyone involved has agreed to combine the CAFE standards and EPA's greenhouse gas emissions standards into one, making it clear what automakers have to do to sell cars in any state in the Union.

Considering the long fight that the Auto Alliance had with California and other states that wanted to adopt more stringent rules than the Bush-era EPA was willing to declare, the EPA and DOT's proposal appeals to Alliance president Dave McCurdy. "Final rules are essential to providing manufacturers with the certainty and lead time necessary to plan for the future and cost effectively add new technology," he said. "We look forward to working constructively with the Obama administration to provide comments and begin meeting our shared goals of increasing fuel economy, enhancing energy security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through this single national program." Press releases are after the jump, as is information on how to comment on the EPA and DOT's proposed rule over the next 60 days.

[Source: EPA/DOT, Auto Alliance]

Continue reading EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG

EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafedave mccurdyDaveMccurdydotepafalsegrams per mileGramsPerMilempgnhtsanhtsa cafe rulesNhtsaCafeRulesTue, 15 Sep 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[EDITORIAL: Attention <i>Wall Street Journal</i> - Ford does <b>not</b> use Toyota's hybrid system!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/editorial-attention-i-wall-street-journal-i-ford-does-b-n/#commentsFiled under:


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a recent op-ed piece published in The Wall Street Journal, Alan Reynolds of the Cato Institute starts by making a few decent points about fuel taxation and fuel economy rules. Unfortunately, he undermines himself with some blatant errors and misinformation. In discussing how Detroit automakers will deal with new fuel efficiency requirements, he makes the all-too-common mistake of referring to Ford's hybrid system as licensed from Toyota ("Similarly, Ford has the Toyota-licensed hybrid Fusion and will soon produce the European Ford Fiesta in Mexico").

The reality is that Ford independently developed its own hybrid system at the same time Toyota was masterminding its own. The basic architecture of both systems is the same and both are based on the concepts developed and patented by TRW engineers in the late 1960s. When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid, Toyota went after the Blue Oval for infringing on its patents. Ford had patents of its own on the technology that Toyota was using. Eventually, the two companies reached a cross-licensing agreement that gives both companies the right to build their own systems. Such cross-licensing agreements are common in these kinds of cases, but Ford did not use the Toyota hybrid system. The only other company that uses Toyota's system is Nissan for its Altima hybrid, and they actually buy hardware from Toyota. We continue deconstructing Reynolds' arguments after the jump


Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


[Source: Wall Street Journal]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!

EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan reynoldsAlanReynoldscafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyeditorialfuel taxfuel taxesFuelTaxFuelTaxesgas taxgas taxesGasTaxGasTaxeshybridhybrid patenthybrid patentsHybridPatentHybridPatentshybridssmall carSmallCarwall street journalWallStreetJournalSun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.

Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expel the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market -- and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oilburners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.

Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned -- their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010cafechryslerdieselepafordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondanissantechtechnologytoyotaWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/report-california-still-wants-epa-waiver-to-set-emissions-stand/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Even though President Obama's new national CAFE standards will lean on the stricter California standards for support and there was broad agreement that a national standard of this type is the way to move forward, the devilish details could still cause a disagreement or two.

Problem One is that the new CAFE rules don't start affecting new cars until the 2012 model year. Problem Two is that the whole EPA waiver thing hasn't been decided. While California will back down once the 2012 models are here, that state has announced that it still wants to be able to regulate tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions between now and then. The New York Times' Jim Motavalli explains that California doesn't see its rules for the next few years being all that tough for automakers to comply with using existing technology. The battle lines are still drawn, but they're getting a bit scuffed up.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Mel. B under C.C. 2.0)

REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEcaliforniacalifornia co2CaliforniaCo2co2corporate average Fuel econonomyCorporateAverageFuelEcononomyFri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are miles per gallon... and then there are miles per gallon. How do you tell the difference? One is labeled "CAFE mpg" and the other is labeled "EPA mpg." What's the difference? Well, Edmunds is taking pains to illuminate the large discrepancy that exists between the two figures: the issue, as initially laid out by Edmunds' John O'Dell in 2007, is that CAFE and EPA mileage numbers were initially based on the same formula in 1975. When consumers complained that the number didn't correspond to real-world gas mileage, the EPA determination formula was changed - twice - yet the CAFE formula wasn't.

The change meant that when a customer bought a car that listed 26 combined mpg (EPA) on the window sticker, the CAFE mpg rating for that car remained at around 35 mpg. And if you've been paying attention to the myriad CAFE stories over the past year, you'll know that the government is tweaking CAFE numbers, not EPA numbers. The NHTSA oversees CAFE numbers, the EPA keeps track of "vehicle fuel efficiency."

But the gap between the two sets of computations means, according to Edmunds:
"a vehicle that scores an EPA combined rating of 29 miles per gallon actually contributes 39 MPG to its manufacturer's CAFE average. There are 29 car models and 36 truck models that already achieve the new standard, and about a third of the cars and half of the trucks are produced by a domestic automaker."
Ultimately, it means that the formerly punitive mpg numbers that the government mandated can now be considered for what they really are: Meh. You can read Edmunds' full press release after the jump.

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through'

REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyedmundsepagovernmentgreenmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgnhtsaobamaFri, 22 May 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/#commentsFiled under: , ,



California's lead in setting stricter mileage standards for automobiles helped President Obama's administration formulate the new 35.5 mpg requirement for 2016. Since California's voice is so strong in the debate, we can see what might possibly be coming to the whole country in the later half of the next decade by looking at what California thinks will happen after 2016. Reuters did just that, and found that the California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols thinks that "a much more stringent standard" will be announced for 2017 and beyond.

That everyone appears to be happy with the 2016 requirement doesn't mean the struggles between CARB and the automakers have ended. Nichols told the news service that the compromise "doesn't signal any kind of flagging interest on the part of California in being part of a transformation of the auto fleet to something much more efficient than what it is today." A new EPA waiver request will need to be applied for, Reuters believes, but at least there appears to be a new feeling of working together. For now.

[Source: Reuters; Image: Pink Sherbet Photography | CC 2.0]

California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2016cafecaliforniaCARBmpgThu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama: CAFE increase to unified national standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aside from the Daimler-Tesla announcement earlier today, the big green car news for May 19 is the increase in CAFE standards that President Obama made just a short while ago, joined by Governors Jennifer Granholm (MI), Deval Patrick (MA) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (CA), members of Congress and Ron Gettelfinger (of the UAW), among others. Obama said the agreement was "an historic agreement to help America break its addiction to oil." Here are the details:
  • Currently, the DOT manages fuel economy, the EPA deals with emissions, and CA can use the Clean Air Act to come up with even more stringent rules. This could create a situation where car makers have to deal with rules from three agencies. The new rule is a national standard that CA will support and the DOT and EPA will both adopt.
  • The CAFE standard will increase by five percent each year, building on the 2011 standard, until we get to 2016. This means an Industry standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016, an average increase of eight mpg per vehicle.
  • Drivers will recoup the additional cost to buy one of these more-efficient vehicles in three years. Drivers will, over the life of the vehicle, save $2,800, on average, he said.
  • Obama said the new rule will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the next five years, and is the projected equivalent of taking 58 million vehicles off the road.
  • Despite previous disagreements between environmental and industry groups, the national policy has been agreed on and a series of "major lawsuits" will be dropped.
Yesterday, we heard that, much to the automakers' delight, the new CAFE standards create a national standard and incorporate California's strict emissions rules to raise the national fleet mpg average to 42 mpg for cars and 26 mpg for light trucks for an overall average of 35.5 mpg by 2016. Current CAFE standards require an automaker's fleet of cars to average 27.5 mpg and trucks must get 24 mpg.

[Source: Whitehouse.gov]

Obama: CAFE increase to unified national standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbreakingcafecafe standardsCafeStandardsmpgobamaobama cafeObamaCafeTue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto Alliance comes out in favor of new federal fuel economy proposals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/auto-alliance-comes-out-in-favor-of-new-fed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/auto-alliance-comes-out-in-favor-of-new-fed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/auto-alliance-comes-out-in-favor-of-new-fed/#comments

After years of fighting fuel economy and emissions rules at both the federal and state levels, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is finally coming out in favor of the new regulatory framework that will be announced by President Obama tomorrow. The biggest sticking point in recent years has been the move to block California and other states from effectively setting their own fuel economy standards by regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

Tomorrow the president is expected to announce new federal rules that will effectively bring CAFE up to the same standard as California's proposal. Because the new rules will retain the footprint based standards from both the California and 2008 NHTSA proposals, it won't completely eliminate larger vehicles. It will, however, be a tough standard, with cars expected to hit 42 mpg by 2016 and trucks coming up to 26 mpg.

The alliance supports the proposal because it will allow automakers to work toward one set of regulations. The next big hurdle will be getting everyone to agree on a common standard for calculating the mileage of plug-in hybrid and extended range electric vehicles. The fuel consumption of those vehicles is highly dependent on the duty cycle, including how often they're charged and how far they are driven past battery depletion. But that's tomorrow's fight. The AAM press release is after the jump.

[Image: Alex Wong/Getty]

Continue reading Auto Alliance comes out in favor of new federal fuel economy proposals

Auto Alliance comes out in favor of new federal fuel economy proposals originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance of automobile manufacturersallianceofautomobilemanufacturerscafecorporate average fu...corporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFu...CorporateAverageFuelEconomyobamaMon, 18 May 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Obama to announce new CAFE standards tomorrow, require 34 mpg standard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/report-obama-to-announce-new-cafe-standards-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/report-obama-to-announce-new-cafe-standards-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/report-obama-to-announce-new-cafe-standards-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to reports from both the New York Times and Politico, the Obama Administration plans to announce new CAFE regulations tomorrow that will finally reconcile both federal and state standards. The plan is expected to combine California's strict emission rules with the federal rule, raising the national fleet mileage to around 42 mpg for cars and approximately 26 mpg for light trucks by 2016 - an increase over the current standards of 27.5 mpg for cars and 24 mpg for trucks.

The administration set a self-imposed deadline of June 30 to grant California's request to impose the state's standard to the federal CAFÉ regulations, and according to the NYT, the auto industry isn't expected to challenge the new rules as they finally set both a definitive time table and a national standard. Politico is reporting that the Obama Administration sat down with several states and a number of domestic and foreign automakers to discuss the standard, including Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, BMW and others. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to attend the announcement on Tuesday, at which point all the hard details will be released.

[Sources: NYT, Politico | Image Source: Alex Wong/Getty]

REPORT: Obama to announce new CAFE standards tomorrow, require 34 mpg standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnold schwarzeneggerArnoldSchwarzeneggerbarack obamaBarackObamacafecafe regulationsCafeRegulationscaliforniaobamaMon, 18 May 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Saturn's death likely to hurt GM CAFE numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-saturns-death-likely-to-hurt-gm-cafe-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-saturns-death-likely-to-hurt-gm-cafe-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-saturns-death-likely-to-hurt-gm-cafe-numbers/#commentsFiled under:


Saturn Vue Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery

The ultimate fate of Saturn as an automotive brand remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the offers currently being made to buy it from a shrinking General Motors. One thing is certain though, it will not remain a part of GM. One of the primary reasons that Saturn is being disposed of is poor sales. There is, however, one exception to that sales record: hybrids. So far, Saturn has accounted for about a quarter of GM's sales of hybrids. Saturn also had the best CAFE numbers of any GM division, thanks to the absence of any full-size body-on-frame vehicles or fuel-thirsty V8 engines in brand showrooms.

Removing those sales from GM's total will likely have a negative impact on GM's overall CAFE numbers, at least in the short term. Looking more closely at the sales, though, shows that the automaker's big two-mode hybrid trucks have been taking an increasingly large proportion of GM's hybrid sales over the course of 2008. The powertrain of the two-mode Saturn Vue will almost certainly be migrated to other GM vehicles such as the new Chevy Equinox and Cadillac SRX, helping the entire porfolio's numbers as well. Another factor offsetting the loss of Saturn is the end of HUMMER and Pontiac, both of which have a number of lower mileage vehicles.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid


[Source: Automotive News-sub req'd]
Photos copyright 2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs. Inc.

REPORT: Saturn's death likely to hurt GM CAFE numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyhybridWed, 29 Apr 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/report-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-to-rise-by-8-by-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The nation's Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will swell to 27.3 miles-per-gallon by 2011. That's the word coming out of Washington, where the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to bump the fleet fuel economy standards for the first time in more than a quarter-century.

The 27.3 mpg figure represents an 8% increase over the current 2010 requirement of 25.3. In specific, cars will need to average 30.2 mpg and light trucks will need to hit 24.1 mpg.

The truck figure is expected to be a tough one for automakers to meet within that timetable (most of the vehicles for 2011 are already well along in development - if not on dealer lots already). However, automakers are actually operating ahead of the 2010 requirements, achieving 2007 model year averages of 31.3 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for trucks, so there is some hope that the figures are workable.

Further, General Motors and Chrysler may have some additional federal funds to help them get there - the Obama administration is hinting that it will release more federal aid to the troubled automakers. The two companies have already received $17.4 billion in loans and are seeking a further $21.6 billion to stave off bankruptcy.

This is a separate issue from the decision that President Obama's administration is mulling over whether it should allow California (and the 13 other states that follow its policies) to mandate a 30 percent drop in tailpipe emissions by 2016, essentially a backdoor mandate of 34.5 mpg by 2015.

Federal estimates say the new CAFE figures will save 887 million gallons of fuel and 8.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: David McNew/Getty]

REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEChryslerdieselemissionsfuel economyFuelEconomygasgas consumptionGasConsumptiongasolineGMgreenhouse gasGreenhouseGashybridObamaObama AdministrationObamaAdministrationFri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/bush-declines-to-enact-higher-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/bush-declines-to-enact-higher-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/bush-declines-to-enact-higher-fuel-economy-standards/#commentsFiled under: ,



Fuel efficiency. It's an issue that has seemingly fallen onto America's the back-burner for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are declining fuel prices and economy along with the auto industry's financial plight. Still, few would argue that the issue of cutting down on petroleum use is any less important today than it was six months ago, so the decision (or, really, the lack thereof) of the Bush Administration to leave future fuel economy standards on the table for President-Elect Barack Obama and his future staff is ruffling a few feathers.

Even the automakers themselves would like to see a new set of rules decided upon so that they can accurately plan for the future. Without the passing of Bush's bill, questions remain as to whether states - especially California - will have the right to impose their own regulations above the national requirements. Oh, and there's also the issue of where the money to develop these fuel efficient technologies will come from. See the official statement from the US Department of Transportation after the break.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty]

Continue reading Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards

Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bush administrationBushAdministrationcafeepaepa regulationsEpaRegulationsfuel economyfuel efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyobamaobama administrationObamaAdministrationFri, 09 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ward's columnist wonders if Americans can handle the truth about gas taxes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/wards-columnist-wonders-if-americans-can-handle-the-truth-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/wards-columnist-wonders-if-americans-can-handle-the-truth-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/wards-columnist-wonders-if-americans-can-handle-the-truth-about/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



People have always had something of an aversion to hard truths. Most Americans say they want their country to get off foreign oil or help the environment, but when it comes to the bottom line, they want cheap fuel. And when the prices on gas pumps start to dip, consumer interest in smaller more efficient vehicles tends to go out the window. Understandably, drivers everywhere tend to make vehicle purchasing decisions in large part based on fuel prices.

Ward's Auto World columnist Drew Winters notes that executives like Bob Lutz have long advocated that fossil fuel prices need to increase in order to make more efficient vehicles appeal to consumers. But with U.S. consumers' almost instinctual avoidance of taxation, it has been difficult for politicians to consider such measures. Instead, it would appear that most constituents want government to mandate both more fuel efficient cars (through mechanisms like CAFE) and cheap gas without impacting the cost of automobiles themselves.

Winters paraphrases The End of Oil author Paul Roberts, noting that "every major fuel shift in history - from wood to coal to oil - was driven primarily by market forces, specifically by competitive advantages of the new fuel over the old." Thus, part of the solution may simply to make the fossil fuels more expensive relative to other energy sources.

Unfortunately, Winters surmises, it appears that nobody can handle this truth.

[Source: Ward's Auto World | Photo: GoodGreentips.com]

Ward's columnist wonders if Americans can handle the truth about gas taxes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe standardsCafeStandardsfuel pricefuel taxFuelPriceFuelTaxgas mileagegas pricegas pricesgas taxGasMileagegasoline taxGasolineTaxGasPriceGasPricesGasTaxtaxtaxationSat, 27 Dec 2008 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/next-gen-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-to-beat-cafe-standards-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/next-gen-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-to-beat-cafe-standards-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/02/next-gen-chrysler-300-dodge-charger-to-beat-cafe-standards-get/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's pretty obvious at this point that Cerberus doesn't want to keep Chrysler, and turbulent economic realities have scuttled what few available prospects there would have been for new ownership. Some have openly wondered whether team Pentastar is even working on new products at all. Product development VP Frank Klegon insists that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are on their way, and he points to the next 300/Charger as proof.

Klegon told Automotive News at the LA Auto Show that the 2011 redesign of these two large, rear-wheel-drive sedans will beat projected 2011 CAFE standards. That feat will be accomplished with improvements to aerodynamics, axle ratios and upgraded engines. Klegon mentioned that the upcoming Phoenix engines, the development of which has not been cancelled, would motivate the Charger and 300. The new Phoenix family of V6 engines will have variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and direct injection among its many efficiency increasing technologies. Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In light of the current pain at the pumps, fuel economy is on all of our minds these days no matter what kind of car you drive. That being the case, it might not be surprising to you that the car we're buying are getting more fuel efficient. Don't believe us? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just revealed that the U.S. auto industry set a new record in overall fuel efficiency during the first half of the 2008 model year by averaging 26.8 mpg through March. That's up from an average of 26.6 mpg through the entire 2007 model year.

While this is certainly good news for both consumers and manufacturers that need to meet the government's mandated CAFE standards, the numbers used by the NHTSA aren't really representative of the real-world fuel mileage you should expect to achieve on the road. The testing standards were initially created in 1975 and automakers get certain credits for creating flex-fuel vehicles, which can artificially inflate their miles-per-gallon numbers. Additionally, automakers earn credits for surpassing the CAFE requirements and can carry these credits forward for up to three years. Still, the numbers are somewhat worthwhile when comparing the current model-year with those of the past. Expect to see the year-end numbers set another new record as consumers continue choosing smaller and more fuel efficient models over larger, gas-guzzling choices.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Industry sets fuel efficiency record in first half of '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 fuel efficiency2008 mileage2008FuelEfficiency2008Mileagecafecafe standardsCafeStandardsfuel efficiencyfuel mileageFuelEfficiencyFuelMileagenhtsaWed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Cars.com creates True Mileage Index to debunk CAFE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/cars-com-creates-true-mileage-index-to-debunk-cafe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/cars-com-creates-true-mileage-index-to-debunk-cafe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/cars-com-creates-true-mileage-index-to-debunk-cafe/#commentsFiled under:


In an effort to expose the underreported truth behind the government's corporate average fuel economy ratings (CAFE) and to define more accurate fuel economy estimates, the team over at Cars.com has created their own True Mileage Index. The consumer website points out the flaw behind CAFE is that the adjusted calculations misrepresent the numbers posted on new car windows, and the actual fuel economy consumers will realize on the road (e.g., although Honda earned a 2007 CAFE rating of 33.5 mpg, no Honda has a combined mileage of better than 31 mpg). Like the CAFE calculation, the True Mileage Index analyzes a number of factors. However, Cars.com places more weight on actual sales volume, and less on alternative fuels (like E85). Their math places Honda's True Mileage Index at a more realistic 24.9 mpg. In a nutshell, don't get overly excited when you hear that the 2020 CAFE number is going to be 35 mpg -- it's likely to only increase your future vehicle's actual fuel economy by a few mpg.

[Source: Cars.com]

Cars.com creates True Mileage Index to debunk CAFE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEcars.comefficiencyefficientFuel economyFuelEconomyFri, 01 Aug 2008 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota tops big company CAFE ratings for 2007 model year with 29.69 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/toyota-tops-big-company-cafe-ratings-for-2007-model-year-with-29/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/toyota-tops-big-company-cafe-ratings-for-2007-model-year-with-29/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/toyota-tops-big-company-cafe-ratings-for-2007-model-year-with-29/#commentsFiled under:



The final 2007 model year tally of corporate average fuel economy for automakers selling cars in the U.S. is done, and Toyota came out on top of the heap again among the big brands. However, Toyota was not the overall winner. That honor went to none other than Lotus with 30.2 mpg! Lotus however is a very small fish in a huge if shrinking pond, having only sold six hundred 2007 model cars here. Toyota sold a couple more than that and averaged 29.69 mpg with its lineup of Priuses, Camrys, Corollas and Tundras. The no. 1 brand edged out Honda and Hyundai, which got 29.47 and 29.39 respectively. The Detroit based automakers? Well, not so good. GM, Ford and the then DaimlerChrysler brought up the rear with 25.16, 25.15 and 23.97. The 2008 numbers should show a significant improvement for all three companies now that truck sales have gone in the toilet and they are selling whatever smaller cars they have as fast as they can build them. Chrysler will also benefit by not including Mercedes-Benz in its numbers.

The averages are sales weighted and based on fuel economy numbers from 1970s era test procedures rather than the new lower mileage numbers that can be found on current window stickers, so keep that in mind. You can check out the full report at the NHTSA web-site including numbers for previous model years.

[Source: NHSTA, via Toyota Open Road Blog, Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Toyota tops big company CAFE ratings for 2007 model year with 29.69 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe standardsCafeStandardscorporate average fu...CorporateAverageFu...Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM tells the Feds that the Volt and plug-ins aren't going to help with CAFE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/gm-tells-the-feds-that-the-volt-and-plug-ins-arent-going-to-hel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/gm-tells-the-feds-that-the-volt-and-plug-ins-arent-going-to-hel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/gm-tells-the-feds-that-the-volt-and-plug-ins-arent-going-to-hel/#commentsFiled under: ,



With the Feds eager to keep raising the bar on CAFE standards, and apparently doing so based on proposed future technologies, General Motors Corp. bluntly told federal regulators not to count on the Chevrolet Volt, or other planned plug-in hybrids, when proposing new rules. GM is maintaining the position that those vehicles will be built in such low numbers through 2015, that they won't make a significant enough impact on the fleet. As it stands, Chevy plans to be build 10,000 Volts in 2011 (the first year of production), and 60,000 the following year... and meeting those numbers is highly dependent on outside suppliers for battery and technology delivery (let's hope they don't mimic the problems Toyota is having with the Prius battery supply). It was earlier this year when the NHTSA proposed a 25 percent increase in fuel economy rules from 2011 through 2015. It has been estimated that meeting those standards would cost GM about $17.3 billion. Although GM isn't trying to skirt tougher regulations, it is their goal to set "reasonable perspectives" with regulators. At a time when GM is struggling to survive (and they are not alone), the CAFE noose just may need to be loosened a bit.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - spy pics

[Source: Freep]

GM tells the Feds that the Volt and plug-ins aren't going to help with CAFE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alternative FuelAlternativeFuelCAFEChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChevy VoltChevyVoltHybridNHTSAPlug-inThu, 10 Jul 2008 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW calls CAFE 'not feasible']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/bmw-calls-cafe-not-feasible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/bmw-calls-cafe-not-feasible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/bmw-calls-cafe-not-feasible/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier this year, the Bush administration surprised a lot of green activists by actually surpassing the already challenging CAFE standards for 2011-2015. While automakers like Toyota, Ford, and GM are quietly going about the business of hitting those targets, BMW is speaking up and saying that the targets are unattainable. The German automaker has asked the Bush administration for an alternative plan that helps out the hardest hit automakers, and the new rules are a punch to the gut for the Bavarian Motor crew.

While the corporate average for cars and trucks is 35.7 mpg and 28.6 mpg by 2015, BMW has to hit 37.7 mpg and 31.7 mpg, respectively. The reason for the disparity is the sliding scale the government used to account for differences in size in each automaker's lineup. Since BMW doesn't sell pickup trucks and it has plenty of small and midsize offerings, BMW has to hit higher fuel economy standards. What the CAFE numbers don't take into account is the fact that all BMWs are RWD, and there isn't a four cylinder engine to be found (in the U.S., yet). The Bush administration says its final fuel economy numbers will become public by the end of the year, and if companies like BMW don't get special dispensations, look for there to be smaller engines on the horizion, or bigger fines.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW calls CAFE 'not feasible' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBush Admbush administrationBushAdmBushAdministrationCAFEWed, 02 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil independence possible according to DoE scientist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/oil-independence-possible-according-to-doe-scientist/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/oil-independence-possible-according-to-doe-scientist/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/oil-independence-possible-according-to-doe-scientist/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A scientist in the U.S. Department of Energy's science and energy research unit has said "Energy independence is a realistic goal for the United State of America," by 2030. There are, of course, a few caveats to that. First is that by the word "independence," he doesn't mean not using any oil entirely -- he means getting oil consumption down to a point where our usage is "not subject to restraining or directly influenced by others as consequence of the need for oil."

That, Greene says, is an issue of economics, not one of politics or the military (inasmuch as they can be separated). The key is to get the cost of importing oil down to one-percent or less of the U.S. GDP, which, by the way, is where it was during the heady we-can-take-baths-in-oil-there's-so-much-of-it decade of 1990-2000.

Greene thinks the Energy Independence Security Act will be the guide leading the way to this kind of oil independence, due to the CAFE increase, decreased demand for thirsty vehicles, and increased production and demand for biofuels and alternative energy cars. So now that the oil situation is licked, the only thing you'll need to worry about come 2030 is paying $12 for a cob of corn.

[Source: WardsAuto]

Oil independence possible according to DoE scientist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelbiofuel-policybiofuel-pricesbiofuelscafeeisaenergy independenceenergy independence ...EnergyIndependenceEnergyIndependence...oiloil independenceoil independent oakl...oil pricesoil productionOilIndependenceOilIndependentOakl...OilPricesOilProductionWed, 04 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST